What is everyone doing for Valentine’s Day this year?
When I did an instagram poll earlier in the week, several of you said you were looking for experiences vs dinner, so I compiled some of the coolest experiences going on for VDay. About a third of you said you were going out to eat, so I included some dinners as well.
Luckily in our amazing city of Long Beach, we have cool stuff to do year-round, but I have seen some extra special events or special pricing for regular events this year for Valentine’s Day. Here are my favs. Enjoy!
Gondola Getaway
Take a trip through the Napals Canals on a Gondola Getaway! We had the opportunity to check out their Valentine’s Day package a week in advance, and it was a wonderful experience for the entire family. I loved that the kids could come with us because they are both too young for a lot of the other water experiences on this list, so we were able to celebrate as a family. Each VDay cruise comes with a professional gondolier, a beautiful red rose with greenery, free corkage, and a complimentary group photo. There are packages for 2-10 people, and the gondoliers serenade you as you cruise. This is a great option for both families or dates. They have Groupons available most of the year, but they aren’t valid for special occasions.
Long Beach Parasail
We did this last summer and it was a really romantic and relaxing experience. The view from up high was great, and the ride is gentle and not scary. The best part is, they are doing a buy one get one sale for VDay weekend, so you only need to pay for one rider. Check out their link to book using discount code LOVE. Offer valid Feb 14th-17th. They also have Groupons available a lot of other times of the year.
Valentine’s Day at The Pike
I just found out that Valentine’s Day is also National Ferris Wheel Day! Normally the ferris wheel is $4/person, which would be $16 for a family of 4. It’s doable, but we’re less likely to go out to eat or spend in other places during that outing once we’ve spent almost $20. So for National Ferris wheel Day/Valentine’s Day, The Pike Outlets is hosting an event with buy one get one ferris wheel rides, among other things. The event will also feature free caricatures, sweet treats, carnations, and giveaways. This is probably where you will find me on VDay because we’ll have the kiddos with us and this looks like a great family event.
Jolly Sailing
Jolly Sailing allows you to charter a sailboat with up to 6 people. It was founded with the intention of making sailing affordable for everybody, and it’s a really great value for the price. You can bring your own food and drinks, and you can even steer the boat. The owner, Max, is so pleasant you will feel like you have another friend with you (though he can make himself scarce if you’re looking for a more private experience.) They offer both daytime sails and sunset sails, and it’s a fun outing whether it’s hot or cool (the cool weather is nice to cozy up under a blanket!)
Shoreline Village
Shoreline is great option because you can make it fit into any budget. They have a Love Lock fence, reminiscent of the love locks in Paris, and you can purchase locks there for around $12, if I recall correctly. They can even engrave the lock with your names and the date. Your spending can end there, if you choose, and you can stroll along the water and take in the views. Alternatively, you can opt for a longer experience by eating at one of the many delicious restaurants, or doing another experience (Both Jolly Sailing and Long Beach parasail are located here.)
Valentine Movie Night at The Hangout
If you’re looking for something low-key but still want to get out of the house, this is a great option for
you. The Hangout is hosting a movie night complete with slow dancing, hot cocoa, DIY s’mores, and a special Valentine’s Day movie. Bring a blanket to snuggle up with your loved one. The movie starts at 7, and tix are $14 a person. Link below.
Tickets for VDay movie night at The Hangout
Valentine’s Day Night Dive at The Aquarium
If you’re the type that likes to move around (I know I am), a great VDay experience for you would be Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This 18+ event features live music, food trucks, DJs, drinks, and live murals. Plus you get the opportunity to wander around the aquarium and look at all the animals without the crowd and without the kids. It’s only $19.95/person or free for members. Must purchase advance tix.
And now for the dinners portion:
Belmont Brewing Company
The BBC is one of the few Long Beach restaurants that is on the water, outside of the marinas. Their 
outdoor seating area is enclosed, has heaters, and has a gorgeous ambient fire pit. They have a special VDay dish of New Zealand lamb chops served with pesto mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, and red wine sauce. They have a large beer craft beer selection that they brew onsite, and they also have a full bar. Everything we’ve had their has been great.
Belmont Brewing Company Website
The Attic on Broadway
T
he Attic features farm-to-table versions of your fav comfort foods. I particularly like their famous Mac n Cheetos, their chicken and waffles, okay actually I like everything there. Their indoor seating is cozy and reminiscent of a cottage living room, and the outdoor seating overlooks the trendy Broadway area. They will be having a special prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu available. Call for reservations.
The 4th Horseman
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day of the darker variety, or you’re not the type to enjoy all the sappy 
stuff, The 4th Horseman is where you want to be for Valentine’s Day. They will be showing creepy films, playing sexy tunes, and their 3 course meal for 2 is only $35. It will include an appetizer, a “Hillbilly Deluxe” special pizza, dessert, and a Magnum of the Champagne of Beers (750 mL of Miller High Life.) Sorry, no reservations. The special is available all night Friday and throughout the weekend, as long as supplies last.
